New Hampshire wildlife officials are urging motorists to exercise caution on state roads as the high-risk season for moose-vehicle collisions gets underway.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reports an average of 64 moose-vehicle collisions per year over the last five years. Officials warn that May through October represent the most dangerous months, as moose are drawn to roadways to lick salt residue left over from winter road treatments.
“Moose are an iconic species and a tremendous resource in our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road. By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose-vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.” – Henry Jones, the department’s Moose Project Leader.
Collisions are reported statewide on all road types and can happen at any hour, though dusk and nighttime hours carry the greatest risk. Officials point out that the large animals are particularly difficult to spot after dark due to their dark brown coloring, which blends against pavement. Drivers should not rely on eye shine from headlights to detect a moose’s presence, as animals do not always face oncoming traffic.
The department recommends that drivers slow down, wear a seatbelt, scan road shoulders, use high beams whenever possible, and ensure they can stop within the range of their headlights. If a moose is spotted, drivers should slow down or stop completely until the animal has moved off the road or been safely passed.
Jones emphasized that collisions with the animals are not limited to rural highways or heavily wooded corridors. Any road in the state carries potential risk during peak months.
The Fish and Game Department continues to run public outreach efforts under the “Brake for Moose” campaign. Additional information and safety guidance is available at wildlife.nh.gov.
